Harbor, Pepperdine Bible Lectures

Growing up in churches of Christ and eventually ministering within churches of Christ requires perseverance. Jeff offers an intensely autobiographical journey highlighting the reasons that he continues to serve as a minister and his hope for the future. Teacher: Jeff Dunn

Hebrews calls us to believe in the unseen while the skepticism of society beckons us to doubt everything. We scoff at reports of aliens, Bigfoot, and Nessy, but on Sundays we proclaim belief in giants, leviathan, miracles, and resurrection from the dead. Christians live in the tension between faith in God and skepticism toward just about everything else, or have we let the skepticism of the world...

We are all on epic quest for truth and justice. Unfortunately, we too often forget ourselves among the hazardous obstacles and tantalizing temptations along the way. The struggle of pride and power overtake us. We long to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. We long to be heroes who are clothed in humility. How can we get back on the righteous path and fulfill what God requires of...

For many congregations, finding the right individuals to serve on their ministry staff is a difficult season that involves a broad search and interview process. But what if God is growing your staff within your own community? In this class we will explore the ways developing future ministry staff from within a congregation can be done, the theological and practical reasons to do it, and share how...

The studies have shown for decades the uptick in young people leaving the Church after high school. Many churches have struggled to respond to the shifting topography of culture and identity. Perhaps what is needed most are churches that are truly investing in their young people and passing on a faith built on compassion, not doctrine alone. But where to begin? If you are struggling to help your c...

A few years ago, I confessed to a friend, "I get jealous when I hear others say they married their best friend, because I didn't." In the same conversation I challenged us both to learn to love our wives better. What resulted was a year of Jesus teaching me how I could be more loving. I also learned in the process that my jealousy was based on a false assumption. Let's discuss some of what I learn...

Hope for renewal and revival for churches that are small or stuck Teachers: Jon Reed, Kevin Withem

The past few years have been a wake-up call for the American church. From the New York Times to the Atlantic to the Washington Post people on the outside of church are rightfully pointing out that American churches are more “sociological than Christological.” That’s a fancy way of saying American Christianity appears to be hollow . . . there’s nothing really there. People on the inside of churches...

Teacher: Chris Seidman

Helping first time guests feel at home can be challenging, but it’s so worth it. Join me as we discuss the importance of stewarding the vulnerabilities of guests in a loving way while setting clear expectations about what being a church family member looks like. A vital component of this process is allowing every guest considering placing membership to feel seen and heard by sharing their story wi...

Through a year and a half of attempting to plant a church at a state university in one of the most unchurched cities in America, some deep reflections on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus that truly engages those on the margins has emerged. This has given rise to some simple, yet transformative ideas about the hurdles churches so often unintentionally put up for those who need to engage God...

Identity matters in our culture, and identity is complicated. In this class, Zac will reflect on identity from the in-between location he inhabits as a Korean American adoptee and a Christian minister. Zac will suggest that the church can and should learn from those who inhabit the in-between spaces in U.S. culture as it moves forward in the 21st century. Teacher: Zac Luben

We live in a world full of big questions. Does faith matter? What do I do with my doubts? On top of this - there are so many big conversations happening in our culture. Conversations about sexuality, race, gender, immigration, and more. Many in our churches are wondering, “Where can I go to have discussions about these things? And why is it that church is often the last place where these discussio...

The phrase, "preacher count," betrays the chronic struggle most Christian leaders have with identity and measuring ministry. Perhaps, like me, you cringe at models that evaluate all things based on the three "b's" (butts in seats, budget, and building size). Does this mean we don't measure anything? Measure other things? Do I simply not like these measurements because they reflect poorly on me? Wh...

The promise to enter the rest of God is still open (Hebrews 4:1). The question is, will we be obedient to enter it? This class will invite long time Christ followers to move more deeply into God's rest. There are many obstacles to resting with God, let's take an honest look at what is stopping us and look ahead to what God longs to give us. "Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest, s...

This class will explore the impact of the local church, especially as it senses how God is using it to reach these people in this place at this time. In an age where we are more globally connected than ever, God still works powerfully through local communities of faith. Come be encouraged to consider what God is up to in your local community and to join in! Teacher: Toby Hendrix

This class will delve into how a church in North Texas is embracing kenosis to cultivate a healthy egalitarian church culture. By focusing on how Jesus viewed and used power, we will explore how a healthy understanding and utilization of power and privilege can help a local church to flourish, nurture collaborative leadership, deeper community engagement, and a culture in which every member is val...

Teacher: Dave Lemley

Is it possible for followers of Jesus to reconcile faith with the violence of war? In this class, Dr. Vic McCracken will lead attendees through an exploration of the Christian tradition, exploring the church's nonviolent witness as well as the development of the Christian just war tradition. Teacher: Victor McCraken

Speaker: Zane Witcher

"Join seasoned communicators Sean Palmer, Don McLaughlin, Jeff Walling and other special guests to discuss the challenge of communicating creatively to a generation that is questioning everything like never before. Full-time and volunteer youth workers are invited to gain insight and encouragement, for the most important task of all: passing the baton of faith to the next generation. Teacher: Jeff...

Hosted by Jonathan Storment. Explore Alpha. How to create a safe space for people from outside the church to discover and develop a relationship with Jesus, while cultivating within the current church members a culture of invitation, hospitality, listening, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Teacher: Michelle Tepper Host: Jonathan Storment

Evolution was the science that first offended, but in fighting against evolution for so long, evangelicals developed a whole way of talking about science. We will explore factors that lead Christians to shun science evidence and expertise in favor of emotion and partisan sentiments. Why did so many Christians resist covid precautions and vaccines, yet will gladly take an aspirin for a headache? Wh...

Join Executive Coach John Alan Turner and Sean Palmer, acclaimed teaching pastor at Ecclesia Church in Houston, TX, for a compelling session at Pepperdine University's Harbor. In "Faithful Words, Faithful Actions," we delve deep into the heart of Christian living, reimagining the wisdom of 'The Four Agreements' through the lens of Scripture. This session offers a refreshing perspective on using ou...

The Sermon to the Hebrews begins by telling us that God spoke in the prophets and today speaks in the Son. The Son, and the Spirit, continue to speak. The sermon claims that Jesus, and the Spirit, is speaking in the Psalms. We will explore Hebrews “sharp sword” which is none other than Jesus and the Spirit speaking in the Psalms, Today. Teacher: Bobby Valentine